Recipes

Jul 31, 2012

I really do. I’d rather snack all day than eat meals. You can call me Snacktina if you’d like. When Sam Gold, the founder of Yumvelope, offered to send me a month of snacks, I quickly said, “Yes, please!” Last week I received my first package.

I had never heard of or seen any of these products. I love that! Along with the snacks, I received a notecard from Sam Gold, the founder of Yumvelope, with a description of each of the products. The best part (besides the snacks of course) is that you get discount codes for the product’s sites. For example, I can get 10% off Earnest Eats bars, free shipping on Rise Bars, and 25% off at abesmarket.com.

Interested in purchasing a subscription? Here’s some more info:

There are three payment options:

But guess what? I have a coupon code for you! To receive 10% off of your first month, use code hungrymeetshealthy156. The coupon expires August 10th, so hurry! Get your snack on!

Jul 27, 2012

1. What I’m Reading: Ever wonder which spices and herbs go with your favorite foods? What about which cheese pairs best with your favorite fruit? The Flavor Bible tells all. This book lists thousands of ingredients and is an excellent resource for anyone interested in cooking.

2. What I’m Eating:New favorite hummus! If you like olives, you’ll love this.

3. What I’m Listening to:Remember when everyone was obsessed with Santigold’s song “L.E.S. Artistes”? Her newest album, Master of My Make-Believe, features this awesome song:

Jul 25, 2012

I miss my CSA with Gruber Farm so much! I’m going through withdrawals. I’m seriously having a countdown until the Fall season begins on August 28th. On Tuesday, Boding and I stopped by the Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market so I could restock my refrigerator. One of the greatest health tips I can give you is that having fresh fruit and vegetables on hand will discourage you from eating processed foods. You also save a ton of money by not eating out. It’s not rocket science, I promise!

Southwestern Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

1 cup Trader Joe’s Harvest Grain Blend (or just plain quinoa)

2 medium ears of fresh corn, kernels removed

1 cup black beans

1 large tomato, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

1 avocado, diced

1/2 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper

juice of 1 lime

fresh cilantro, for topping

Preparation:

Prepare grain blend or quinoa as directed on package. Let cool and place in a large bowl.

Add remaining ingredients and toss gently until evenly combined. Top with fresh cilantro or sliced avocado.

This is one of those recipes that is satisfying on so many levels. It’s delicious, healthy, and full of flavor. It packs a bunch of fiber and protein to boot. Share with your friends – they’ll love you for it! Here’s the nutritional information that I calculated on Livestrong.

Meals like this are the reason I’m okay with frequent visits to frozen yogurt shops because it’s all about the balance. But, as of 1 week ago, I haven’t had any desserts/candy AT ALL. At work the other day, Dane (pushups partner) and I decided we should try giving up sweets for 2 weeks. I’m happy to say that I didn’t go into cardiac arrest OR a deep depression. One week to go!

Ironically, I got 3 cavities filled yesterday. Another reason to abstain from sugar! Wells Fargo was not happy when I swiped my card for that dentist bill.

Jul 24, 2012

1. Last night, Boding and I went to Crave for happy hour/dinner. We both had the veggie wrap that I’m obsessed with. I always ask for fresh veggies on the side so Chef Landen made a really mix of roasted corn, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and avocado. Must make this colorful dish at home!

2. For the past month or so, Dane and I have been doing pushups every hour at work. It’s a great way to keep moving throughout the day, burn some calories, and build muscle. I started doing 15 in a row every hour, but now I’m up to 30+. It really does get easier!

Rachel started doing crunches with us too! We’ve got to balance out the snack cabinet somehow…

By the end of the day we’re pooped.

3. Though I generally avoid fruit juices/sugary beverages, I found a Gatorade G2 flavor I can’t resist. Have you tried the Raspberry Melon?

4. Amanda and I went on a 5.5 mile bridge walk last week. Can anyone in Charleston honestly say they don’t love this sight?

5. My hair is finally long enough that I can wear a hat without looking like a boy. So, I bought one during Vineyard Vines’ Whale of a Sale.

6. I made a new playlist on Spotify. It’s called Hipstina. Ha! I’m really proud of it though. If you use Spotify, check it out here!

You don’t think of food, do you? Well apparently New York magazine does. More specifically, they think of Asian cuisine. As I flipped through this week’s issue of New York, I came across an article titled “Asian Hipster Cuisine.” Until then, I’d never even seen the word “Asian” next to the word “hipster.” But, hey, NYC is way ahead of SC – let’s be honest.

The article basically claims that Asian cuisine is trending. That 2012 “has been the year of ramen and buns, Sichuan and Shaanxi.” They interview several chefs (not all of whom are Asian) who describe this “hipster” cuisine:

Why do you think Asian food is suddenly a trend? I always thought it was cool, so I’m pretty pumped that there’s a rise in Asian restaurant openings. Bring on the steamed pork buns, noodles, and kimchee. I love it all.

Have you noticed more Asian restaurants/food trucks/pop-up dinners in your area?

What other trend do you consider hipster?Any foods? Let’s not forget men in scarves, coffee shops, rolled-up jeans, PBR, suspenders, and Skrillex’s hair.

Earlier this Summer, my friend Heera contacted me about her friend Gina’s new line of jewelry. Amy O., an acronym for “Accessories Make Your Outfit”, is a premier online line of quality jewelry for women. They have four distinct collections to cater to your individual style:

You can easily view Amy O.’s gorgeous pieces by selecting one of the above collections, or by searching for the type of jewelry you’re looking for, be it rings, bracelets, necklaces, or earrings.

After I connected with Gina, she graciously offered to send me three pieces of my choice! Rachel and I had a ball deciding which items we would be sharing ;). There are so many beautiful pieces to choose from, it was hard to narrow it down!

I don’t know about you, but I’m constantly buying bracelets. That said, I knew I should focus on the necklaces first. Because statement necklaces are all the rage right now, I decided I should add two to my collection. My first choice was the “Deco” Tricolor necklace. How fun is this?

Second, I chose the “Deco” Epoxy Bib necklace in another very fun color. I love the addition of glitz in this one. Every girl needs sparkles in her life!

Then I browsed the earrings. I typically lean towards simple, classic jewelry so when I saw the “Preshe” Filigree Drop earrings, I knew I had to have them. They’re delicate, simple, and won’t ever go out of style. Aren’t they so sweet? I will wear these often!

Check out some more of her amazing jewelry:

Amy O. jewelry and gift cards can be purchased on the site. You can also sign up to receive updates and promotions. Stay connected via:

Gina was generous to offer YOU ALL a discount code for her site. When checking out, enter the code "hungrymeetshealthy" (all lower caps), to receive 20% off your entire purchase. Offer expires August 31, 2012. Free shipping on orders of $75 or more!

2. What I’m Eating: We’re pretty fortunate to have a cafeteria at Blackbaud, even if it means that Rachel and I spend a silly amount of money there, just out of convenience. This week, I had a delicious lunch: sundried tomato wrap with turkey, feta, roasted red peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, banana peppers, and hummus. Why does a wrap/sandwich always taste better when someone else makes it?

3. What I’m Listening to: Another good song by The Airborne Toxic Event.

Before Grammy went back home to Massachusetts, we had dinner at Crave Kitchen & Cocktails. It’s always sad to see her go, but good food always lightens the mood! As my aunt and uncle hadn’t been to Crave before, I immediately suggested it for the evening.

What I love most about Crave is that their menu appeals to everyone. They take typical dinner entrees, amp them up with flavor and creativity, and voila! A menu that is sure to satisfy any type of eater. They also cater to those with special diets needs; they offer gluten-free, paleo, and Crossfit diet options. Should you be vegetarian or vegan, Chef Ganstrom is happy to serve something that is right for you. That said, no one of my family has any dietary restrictions, so we ordered straight off the regular menu.

Typically a man who enjoys his steak, my Uncle Johnny opted for the Chicken Marsala - Pan seared chicken breasts with wild forest mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce, served over a bed of fettuccini. I think he mainly chose this entrée to see how it compared to what he creates at home. Luckily, he liked it just as much! Even Grammy who cooked for an Italian man for years said it rivaled hers.

Grammy was very pleased with her Filet Mignon – 8 oz center cut prime filet grilled, served with a potato croquette and grilled asparagus, accompanied with a mushroom and onion demi glaze. The filet was juicy and tender, the asparagus was crisp, and the croquettes were piping hot pillows of rice.

Gabrielle, my 11 year old cousin, excitedly ordered off the adult menu: Northern Italian Beef & Pork Bolognaise – House Ground Beef Tenderloin and Pork, stewed with tomatoes, served on a bed of Fettuccine. We all agreed this was one of our favorite dishes. Along with the herbed flavor in the meat, there was a touch of sweetness. I wish I knew the secret ingredient!

Kelly and I opted for seafood, but don’t we always? It’s hard to say no to deliveries right from the Charleston waters. She went with the Sea Scallops – large sea scallops seared until golden brown, then served on top of a bed of rich lobster risotto and garlic pan fried green beans. You know, cooking scallops isn’t easy. One minute too long and you’ve got yourself a chewy mess. These were cooked perfectly and the risotto they were placed upon was creamy with chunks of lobster.

I often tell Carmela, the sweet waitress who I always request, to tell Landen to “just make something delicious” or whatever it is that my body is craving. I am never disappointed. That evening I had a macadamia nut and coconut crusted filet of sea bass served atop asparagus, spinach, and sliced beets. Ahhhhh-mazing.

When I said my family didn’t have any dietary restrictions, I wasn’t kidding. Chocolate is something that is never restricted from the table. I mean, why would we punish ourselves like that? ;) We ordered three desserts to share. My little cousin Zachary wanted the Baked Alaska– Mint chocolate chip ice cream, topped with flaming meringue, served over chocolate cake and fresh fruit with mojito syrup. The dessert actually comes out on fire. Zach got a kick out of that, but as soon as the flame disappeared, his fork was ready. This, so far, has been my favorite dessert at crave. You just can’t go wrong with the mint and chocolate combination.

Grammy, the chocolate-obsessed member of our family requested Double fudge cake – Double layered French chocolate fudge cake with macaron almonds, topped with chocolate ganache and an almond twill cookie. This was very rich and definitely reminded me that I need to get some cavities filled. Worth it.

Some wise person at the table (I actually think it was Johnny) ordered a fruit-based dessert:Baked Apple Crisp – Chef’s special oatmeal maple crisp topping, baked with North Carolina cinnamon apples served with vanilla bean ice cream and cinnamon reduction. I love this dessert, but I recommend it more in the fall when the weather is cooler. It gives you those warm, fuzzy feelings you have around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Or Hanukkah. Or Kwanzaa. Or any Winter day really, let’s be honest.

I was happy that everyone was so pleased with their meals. The other night when Kelly and I were chatting she told me, “Johnny and I have been craving Crave. Pun intended.” I think we’ll be back next week!

Do you have a special dietary need or restriction?

What do you typically order for dinner? I almost always choose a seafood entrée and rarely order pasta.

AWARDS

Creep On Me!

Sponsors

Instagram

About

Spunky individual with a penchant for culinary delights. Lover of all things pickle-related and photographing what goes in my tummy. Likes? Chick-fil-A, Greek yogurt, beets, fiber, baking, and men who are attractive. Dislikes? Waiting for things to finish baking, bad grammar, slow talkers/walkers, being a mess, and people that take up my personal space. Whether I'm spinning at the gym, whipping up tasty treats, or reviewing a Charleston restaurant with fabulous friends, I'm loving every minute of this life.